A Small President on the World Stage

At the U.N., leaders hope for a return of American greatness.

By

Peggy Noonan

Updated Sept. 27, 2013 6:36 p.m. ET

The world misses the old America, the one before the crash—the crashes—of the past dozen years.

That is the takeaway from conversations the past week in New York, where world leaders gathered for the annual U.N. General Assembly session. Our friends, and we have many, speak almost poignantly of the dynamism, excellence, exuberance and leadership of the nation they had, for so many years, judged themselves against, been inspired by, attempted to emulate, resented.

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As for those who are not America's friends, some seem still confused, even concussed, by the new power shift. What is their exact place in it? Will it last? Will America come roaring back? Can she? Does she have the political will, the human capital, the old capability?

It is a world in a new kind of flux, one that doesn't know what to make of America anymore. In part because of our president.

"We want American leadership," said a member of a diplomatic delegation of a major U.S. ally. He said it softly, as if confiding he missed an old friend.

"In the past we have seen some America overreach," said the prime minister of a Western democracy, in a conversation. "Now I think we are seeing America underreach." He was referring not only to foreign policy but to economic policies, to the limits America has imposed on itself. He missed its old economic dynamism, its crazy, pioneering spirit toward wealth creation—the old belief that every American could invent something, get it to market, make a bundle, rise.

The prime minister spoke of a great anxiety and his particular hope. The anxiety: "The biggest risk is not political but social. Wealthy societies with people who think wealth is a given, a birthright—they do not understand that we are in the fight of our lives with countries and nations set on displacing us. Wealth is earned. It is far from being a given. It cannot be taken for granted. The recession reminded us how quickly circumstances can change." His hope? That the things that made America a giant—"so much entrepreneurialism and vision"—will, in time, fully re-emerge and jolt the country from the doldrums.

The second takeaway of the week has to do with a continued decline in admiration for the American president. Barack Obama's reputation among his fellow international players has deflated, his stature almost collapsed. In diplomatic circles, attitudes toward his leadership have been declining for some time, but this week you could hear the disappointment, and something more dangerous: the sense that he is no longer, perhaps, all that relevant. Part of this is due, obviously, to his handling of the Syria crisis. If you draw a line and it is crossed and then you dodge, deflect, disappear and call it diplomacy, the world will notice, and not think better of you. Some of it is connected to the historical moment America is in.

But some of it, surely, is just five years of Mr. Obama. World leaders do not understand what his higher strategic aims are, have doubts about his seriousness and judgment, and read him as unsure and covering up his unsureness with ringing words.

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A scorching assessment of the president as foreign-policy actor came from a former senior U.S. diplomat, a low-key and sophisticated man who spent the week at many U.N.-related functions. "World leaders are very negative about Obama," he said. They are "disappointed, feeling he's not really in charge. . . . The Western Europeans don't pay that much attention to him anymore."

The diplomat was one of more than a dozen U.S. foreign-policy hands who met this week with the new president of Iran, Hasan Rouhani. What did he think of the American president? "He didn't mention Obama, not once," said the former envoy, who added: "We have to accept the fact that the president is rather insignificant at the moment, and rely on our diplomats." John Kerry, he said, is doing a good job.

Had he ever seen an American president treated as if he were so insignificant? "I really never have. It's unusual." What does he make of the president's strategy: "He doesn't know what to do so he stays out of it [and] hopes for the best." The diplomat added: "Slim hope."

This reminded me of a talk a few weeks ago, with another veteran diplomat who often confers with leaders with whom Mr. Obama meets. I had asked: When Obama enters a room with other leaders, is there a sense that America has entered the room? I mentioned de Gaulle—when he was there, France was there. When Reagan came into a room, people stood: America just walked in. Does Mr. Obama bring that kind of mystique?

"No," he said. "It's not like that."

When the president spoke to the General Assembly, his speech was dignified and had, at certain points, a certain sternness of tone. But after a while, as he spoke, it took on the flavor of re-enactment. He had impressed these men and women once. In the cutaways on C-Span, some delegates in attendance seemed distracted, not alert, not sitting as if they were witnessing something important. One delegate seemed to be scrolling down on a BlackBerry, one rifled through notes. Two officials seated behind the president as he spoke seemed engaged in humorous banter. At the end, the applause was polite, appropriate and brief.

The president spoke of Iran and nuclear weapons—"we should be able to achieve a resolution" of the question. "We are encouraged" by signs of a more moderate course. "I am directing John Kerry to pursue this effort."

But his spokesmen had suggested the possibility of a brief meeting or handshake between Messrs. Obama and Rouhani. When that didn't happen there was a sense the American president had been snubbed. For all the world to see.

Which, if you are an American, is embarrassing.

While Mr. Rouhani could not meet with the American president, he did make time for journalists, diplomats and businessmen brought together by the Asia Society and the Council on Foreign Relations. Early Thursday evening in a hotel ballroom, Mr. Rouhani spoke about U.S.-Iranian relations.

He appears to be intelligent, smooth, and he said all the right things—"moderation and wisdom" will guide his government, "global challenges require collective responses." He will likely prove a tough negotiator, perhaps a particularly wily one. He is eloquent when speaking of the "haunted" nature of some of his countrymen's memories when they consider the past 60 years of U.S.-Iranian relations.

Well, we have that in common.

He seemed to use his eloquence to bring a certain freshness, and therefore force, to perceived grievances. That's one negotiating tactic. He added that we must "rise above petty politics," and focus on our nations' common interests and concerns. He called it "counterproductive" to view Iran as a threat; this charge is whipped up by "alarmists." He vowed again that Iran will not develop a nuclear bomb, saying this would be "contrary to Islamic norms."

I wondered, as he spoke, how he sized up our president. In roughly 90 minutes of a speech followed by questions, he didn't say, and nobody thought to ask him.

Could you write something that make sense? You made up so many things I wonder which news paper or media sources you follow. Its like I met one guy in Asia and he said no one like Obama in America, I asked him where did he get this information, he mentioned he watched one video on YouTube!

On many objective measures, the United States remains competitive and will continue, I believe and hope.

But, we need to stop this reflexive "We're No. 1" chanting and getting bent out of shape over Mr. Putin's comments about exceptionalism. The fact that he struck a nerve confirms that the nerve may be exposed.

Is this a business and finance newspaper or a tool of the far right lunatic fringe? For the record, President Obama has done more to improve the lives of every day Americans than any president since FDR. For the record he: 1. Brought us out of the worst economic calamity since the great depression (that Bush and Clinton put us in), 2. He led the way to ensure women are paid the same for the same output in the same job3. He got us out of IL-conceived wars that created the ridiculous debt and deficits that right wingers complain so much about4. He is not gaining ground on Syria in a way that is going to meet the interests of the world without spending another Trillion dollars in war and not executing more innocent people5. He KILLED OSAMA BIN LADIN -- last I checked, this is a right wingers dream.6. He brought about the Affordable Care Act, which is bringing costs down and saving money. Go read the Congressional Budget Office's reports. 40M people lives are being saved and health premiums across the board are falling or staying flat. 7. He gave tax cuts to Average American in order to stimulate the economy8. He repaired a lot of our failing infrastructure, which will keep us as the most powerful nation on earth. 9. He increased American exports to reduce the trade deficit10. He saved the American auto industry which is proven to be a great boost to the American economy, while making money on the deal11. He is increasing the skills of American people through community colleges by focusing on the new economy and skills for the future, which is leading to converting Americans from dependency to prosperity12... Shall I go on??

What did Bush2 do besides put us into tremendous debt an deficit?Quite frankly, Pres. Obama has done more to make America and Stronger than the last 5 presidents. Unfortunately, those in a different party don't want to acknowledge it, or those who don't like his skin color refuse to accept it. But 3 years from now when our economy is roaring and there is increased peace in the word, you will still complain and call him names. I guess that is America.

Dear Peggy in Europe GW Bush was and is the primary unit to measure the American Ignorance, and President Obama is the opposite. You see, it is hard for Obama to excel when the expectations are sky high, and lets be honest, Bush really manage go beyond the wildest imagination of how Ignorant he is/and he was. Well, it takes time ( for us in Europe) to get used to new leadership style, but we are not all open minded, so I guess you should feel very comfortable with our newly developed right wingers like Jobbik from my native country. They Seldom Right But Never In Doubt. That certainty also known as American exceptionalism, is what we all understand more and more clearly, since more and more people speak your language, and know your culture, and this information flow has only one direction. Just like your article.

As the left constantly said of GW Bush , "he lacks gravitas" The fact is the world leaders feared and respected ,Bush ,Obama is neither respected nor feared , he truly lacks gravitas. As Alan West aptly stated , he is nothing more than a street level socialist organizer, way in over his head. Even the left is waking up, as per the latest Newsweek..

Noonan hit the bullseye with this one. The lefties, by the tone of thier responses, seem more petulant than usual. Her exposition of Obama as a hoplessly confused midget on the world stage seems to have hit a chord. Keep up the good work Peggy. It's fun watching the left go into histrionics. Sometimes the truth hurts.

Our current president is a puny, divisive, petty, arrogant, inept, vindictive and crude little man. We have a mean-spirited and racist version of Jimmy Carter in the white house. Don't we all miss the easy-going confidence, humor, and kindness of Ronald Reagan?

Why can't anyone compare one President to another? If we can only compare leaders within their own historical context, we hold a very narrow idea of what it means to be a leader. I offer the thought that True Leadership is Timeless.

Peggy Noonan is stuck in time, the years 1981 to 1989, she can not compare one president with another.She can state, " he is no President Reagan," that is the time she in, for me I am glad President Obama is not a President Reagan. Three years from now, "Peggy Noonan," who.

You are so right on. I say bring back the good old days when we started two wars-one on false pretenses-that cost thousands of young lives and well over a trillion dollars. When we insulted our allies then demanded their help. Bring back the guys who despite all their illegal wiretaps and general hubris never could find "the bad guy".

I am sure that the Nations of the world were impressed maybe even jealous when the likes of Sarah Palin with her deep understanding of international affairs was chosen for the number two spot in the White House.

Hey here is an idea that will put the United States back in the international limelight. Let's attack a Middle Eastern Country under the pretense that they mean to harm us. Overthrow the government in the name of "the People". Make sure the new government is friendly to OUR needs with the hopes of a domino effect in the Middle East and ultimately cheaper oil. A similar strategy did not work after WWI or in the case of Iraq. But i truly think, if we bring back the previous gang of Cheney and Rumsfeld we have another shot at it. And if the economy tanks in the interim, what the heck.

itt looks like if u.s.a is getting weaker and softer lately but that has to do with the global situation that is very complicated.for sure the european allies appreciate more this attitude than the one of being hard and cruel that the u.s.a was showing few years before.admin2 http://invetrics.com

Another week, another column of Noonanesque drivel. When Obama enters a room with other leaders, the Democrat Party and the America that put it into power most certainly enter the room when he does, no less than America walked into the room when Reagan or Eisenhower entered. That was simply a different America. It is now as dead as they are. There is no bringing it back.

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The president is working diplomatically to remove chemical weapons from Syria. This won't cost American lives or fortune or sacred honor. It's the right thing to do. Likewise, he's trying to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the Iran nuclear program issue.

Noonan is too blind to see that it is in America's interest to use peaceful means rather than violence. Her time has passed. She should retire and live a nice life instead of writing stupid columns. Or maybe she's sticking around the Journal to get good health coverage. Well, fear not Peggy, the exchanges are opening up. You can now get health coverage as an individual. Thanks Obama.

Bush had a top notch team of professionals. They made a few mistakes, maybe, but they were head and shoulders above the Obama team in intelligence and statecraft. When Obama assumed office, the adults had left the room and still haven't come back.

So, 9/11 was not a cause for war in the eyes of revisionist liberals. Thanks for clearing that up. Liberals believe if jihadists (or, they probably assume, Mossad) attacks us and kills nearly 3,000 Americans, it's because we deserve it.

Then, Iraq kills hundreds of thousands of its own people using helicopter gunships, sarin gas, and torture, and we should just ignore that too. OK, maybe the Iraq war of 2003 was not the best strategic move given how it helped Iran, but the Democrats have made horrible mistakes ten times worse than Iraq. Vietnam springs to mind. And if you are going to put all the blame on the Republicans for Iraq, you must accept all the blame on Democrats for Vietnam. No shirking responsibility here.

I was in the military before and during the Reagan administration. I knew the command structure of the Navy under and amongst many flag rank officers. I would find it difficult to serve under this commander and chief. People do not salute this man out of respect or for military bearing because he has none. They salute him simply because they are under orders to do so but not for what a salute is intended. He represents himself and every day less and less of America. Sadly he has become insignificant.

Obama is a world leader in whining, deflecting and blaming everyone except himself. He has been the most racist divisive president in our history. Good job Peggy, for finally confirming what we can see.

Nonsense. The Republican governments have been the most decisive and effective, dating back to Lincoln's time.

The Democrats have had their moments, but because of their liberal leanings they tend to miss the forest for the trees.

So many mistakes--Roosevelt's New Deal boondoggles that did nothing to solve unemployment during the Great Depression, JFK and LBJ's Vietnam War which caused our country irreparable damage, LBJ's Great Society which introduced an unsustainable level of entitlements that have bankrupted the country, Jimmy Carter's malaise, Clinton's irresponsible philandering while the Republicans under Gingrich enacted welfare reform and banking reform, and now Obama who has managed in a few short years to set us back decades in race relations, bipartisanship, and international stature.

It's unfathomable that people of today have so little knowledge of history let alone current affairs, so narrow a focus, that they resort to small minded partisan sniping when what's needed is grand gestures.

Sure, the Republicans have made their share of mistakes--Iraq springs to mind (albeit, supported by most Democrats at the outset), Reagan's deficit spending, a few other things. Neither of the big parties is perfect. Ideology has its limits. What's important is for the government to do its few basic jobs well and otherwise keep out of the way of private industry which is where the wealth and power of the country are created.

These days, the government has assumed the role of Grand Controller of industry, similar to the Communist Party of China or the USSR back in the day. The incompetence and misguided actions of the bureaucrats issuing regulations that kill jobs is breathtaking, not merely because they do it--of course they do it, that's what bureaucrats are--but because the American people allow them to do it, and beg for more and more control of their lives. ObamaCare is the latest incarnation of this need for Big Brother government to control our lives from cradle to grave. Mandatory health insurance, for crissakes. What's next--mandatory adult diapers?

You can keep your whining and losing -- because that's what you'll be doing in 2014 and 2016 when the American people sweep these louts out of office in the Senate, and out of the White House in 2016. And if they don't, I would say the nation is doomed and it's time to start thinking about relocating.

you don't really know what Obama is doing - he is 'working on removing chemical weapons' is a joke and was Putin's idea to save him from bombing Syria. What we have now is another Iraq where we and they play hide and seek, they will play us for years possibly decades to come. It's a mess.

And you, Nelson are too blind to see that America's glory days were when Capitalism/individualism reigned. Good idea not to argue with success. Good idea too not to continuously pee into the wind ... statism has NEVER succeeded

Mr. Traub - I am not anti Bush. But for you to suggest that Bush had good advisors is largely a travesty. He relied on his seconds-in-command to plan and organize the civilian phase of the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. They simply did not do it.

Mr Traub's words explains the US political morass about as well as I've ever read. They express my thoughts exactly. I'd like to add one more thing. The decline of the US politically and economicly in such a short time is breath taking. The American people elected a President who does not believe in the Constitution for the first time in history. He has gone to great lengths to keep his background secret. Who the hell is this guy? How can we watch him destroy the US right in front of our eyes? What future will are children have? In-cre-eble!!

Mr. Loebel - Those glory days of American wealth started fading away 40 years ago - when unions stated running the American industry (30% pay increases in 1971), borders were thrown open to goods made by friends and foes, and America started living on foreign credit - became a debtor nation for no good reason. Since then over 12 million jobs were outsourced and a similar number just died.

I do not like Statism. but it was not the root of the foregoing. It became one of the responses to it.

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